Stories for September 17th 2003

Wednesday, September 17th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Fed leaves rate unchanged at 1%.

The United States Federal Open Market Committee decided this Tuesday to keep its target for the federal funds rate at 1 percent. FOMC argued that “the risk of inflation becoming undesirably low remains the predominant concern for the foreseeable future”

Wednesday, September 17th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Pinochet's legacy on the spotlight.

Human rights militants protested this weekend the presence in the port of Buenos Aires of the Chilean Navy school vessel “Esmeralda” which is claimed that during the military regime of General Pinochet became a centre of “torture and extermination”.

Wednesday, September 17th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

US requests Mercosur troops for Iraq.

The Bush administration has begun contacts with governments of three major Mercosur members with the purpose of inviting them to participate in a 15,000 strong multinational peace keeping force in Iraq.

Wednesday, September 17th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Cheeky old dictator.

Former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet managed plenty of limelight during the recent commemoration of the September 11 thirtieth anniversary when he violently toppled elected Socialist president Salvador Allende imposing a 17 year military dictatorship.

Wednesday, September 17th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

Regional News.

Headlines:
Massive tourist exodus; Red tide strikes southern Chile; Ozone day in Punta Arenas.

Wednesday, September 17th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

“Blond angel of death” arrested.

The notorious former Argentine Navy officer Alfredo Astiz, also known as the “blond angel of death”, has been rearrested in connection with alleged human rights abuses during the 1976/1983 military rule.